The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug (out Dec 26) is the middle installment in Peter Jackson's new trilogy. There's more action this time around but it's a struggle to get excited about these characters and their goals. Parts I do not understand. Anyway, the cliff hanger ending gives me hope for next year's finale. Grade: B-.

The Railway Man (out Dec 26) is the true story of Eric Lomax - a British Army officer captured and tortured by the Japanese in 1942. From Australian director Jonathan Teplitzky (Gettin' Square), this is a powerful film about the horrors of war and, just as importantly, its after effects. It has a lot to say. Grade: A-.

Frozen (out Dec 26) is a Disney animated featured based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale The Snow Queen. I'm a big fan. Its focus is on telling an engaging story rather than smothering us with moral laden messages (like too many recent animations). The songs are also catchy with "Let It Go" sung by Idina Menzel the clear standout. Grade: A-.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty (out Dec 26) is the story of a man who has done nothing... who suddenly decides to do something. I like the idea of the "fairy tale" approach but some parts feel too forced. I'm not sure about the moral of the story either. Thumbs up for the soundtrack. Grade: B-.

Philomena (out Dec 26) follows an investigative journalist who tries to help a woman track down a son she was forced to give up for adoption almost 50 years ago. Not only is the film an interesting real-life drama, it also works as a buddy comedy thanks to the versatile performances of both Steve Coogan and Judi Dench. It offers laughs, tears and a few surprises. Grade: A.

Anchorman 2 (out Dec 19) will win laughs for its bizarre randomness... and not because it's well written. The plot is messy, the jokes are repetitive and improvisation is overdone. On the plus side, I did enjoy the many cameos in the film's finale. Grade: C+.

The Gilded Cage (out now) centres on a married couple who intend to retire... only to be stopped by their family/colleagues who realise they're too valuable! The first half is fun but the film runs out of steam in the later stages where the leading characters start acting in a bizarre manner. Grade: B.

Blackfish (out now) is a shocking, gripping documentary about whales held in captivity and the many instances (often kept quiet) where they have attacked their trainers. It's just 83 minutes but it'll prompt you to do a lot more research on the subject matter. Grade: A-.

Carrie (out now) is the story of a shy teenager, sheltered by her mother, who is taunted by her classmates. She'll get the last say though at the high school prom. It's been a good year for horror flicks and this is another likeable effort. There's actually some depth to the characters and it's not all about cheap thrills and gore. Grade: B+.

20 Feet From Stardom (out now) is compulsory viewing for any person who years to be a singer. It's a documentary that takes you inside the life of a successful background singers and shows how tricky it can be to transition to a popular solo artist. Grade: B+.